ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on religious rituals across different religious groups worldwide and has prompted both social and ecclesiastical changes. This chapter examines the extent to which church fragmentation has shaped the response of four Eastern Christian groups to the pandemic. Religious responses initially took on a conservative approach until the entire hierarchy of the church decided on how to address the crisis. This has led to a number of innovative solutions, particularly in the context of future changes in the Orthodox environment. The pandemic has prompted the church to reflect on its mission, its role as a community of people, and has transformed the perception of sacraments and the use of technology. This period has presented new opportunities for the Orthodox world of Ukraine, forcing religious leaders to rethink the church's mission and role in society and its appeal.
